Hardware Reliability Engineer: Failure Analysis

InvestedintheMission; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Bonuses

Medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Development Engineer for Starlink to identify, analyze, and resolve hardware failures in satellites and ground stations. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to enhance reliability of PCBAs and systems, using diagnostic tools and environmental testing.

The role involves working with test engineers to strengthen assets and processes. The position requires a Bachelor’s in an engineering field and hands-on hardware experience, with exposure to mixed-signal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or equivalent engineering/STEM discipline.
• 1+ years of experience in hardware development, failure analysis, or reliability engineering (internships and co-ops acceptable)
• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent engineering discipline is preferred.
• 3+ years of industry experience working with electronic hardware.
• Experience with digital and mixed-signal designs, power electronics, or RF electronics using oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, and soldering equipment.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and root causing electrical hardware failures.
• Experience with environmental testing such as HALT/HASS, thermal, vibration, and TVAC
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) for test automation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of quality tools such as Lean principles, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
• Experience developing or supporting: Analog, digital, and mixed signal circuit testing; RF hardware testing; DFX, derating analyses; Digital communications interfaces (SPI, I2C, CAN, Ethernet, RS422); SPC.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed failure analysis of satellite and gateway hardware, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective actions.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to improve product reliability and manufacturing processes.
• Utilize schematics, test equipment, and inspection processes to conduct failure investigations on PCBAs and other electronic components.
• Work closely with test engineers to keep a close feedback loop improving test assets.
• Monitor yield rates and quality metrics, driving corrective actions to address non-conforming products.
• Conduct benchtop environmental testing to validate product robustness.
• Support production and field operations by providing technical guidance on failure resolution and process improvements.
• Maintain thorough documentation of failure analysis findings, test results, and corrective actions.

Skills

Hardware development

Failure analysis

Reliability engineering

Python

C/C++

Test automation

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer engineering or related STEM

Master’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Digital multimeters

Power supplies

Soldering equipment

HALT/HASS environmental testing

Job description

SpaceX is seeking a Hardware Development Engineer for Starlink to identify, analyze, and resolve hardware failures in satellites and ground stations. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to enhance reliability of PCBAs and systems, using diagnostic tools and environmental testing.

The role involves working with test engineers to strengthen assets and processes. The position requires a Bachelor’s in an engineering field and hands-on hardware experience, with exposure to mixed-signal